SW-MOTECH Center Stands

The SW-MOTECH centre stand is the accessory for bikes that do not come with one: a part made for each model that, once engaged, lifts the rear wheel off the ground and rests the bike on firm supports instead of on the side stand. It is one of the most practical aids, on the road and in the home workshop alike.

What it is used for

• Chain: lubricating and adjusting it by turning the rear wheel with the bike lifted, with no one to help.
• Rear wheel: checking the tyre or taking the wheel off.
• Parking with luggage: on firm ground, a bike loaded with panniers sits more steadily than on the side stand.
• Storage: if the bike sits for weeks, the rear tyre does not carry the whole weight on a single spot.

Which bikes have one

Adventure and crossover bikes dominate: Honda Africa Twin, Transalp and NC750X; Suzuki V-Strom 650 and 800; Yamaha Ténéré 700 and MT-07; BMW F 750, F 850 and F 900 GS; KTM 790 and 890 Adventure; Ducati Multistrada and DesertX; Triumph Tiger 900 Rally or the Harley-Davidson Pan America. There are also stands for a Kawasaki Z900RS, a BMW R nineT Scrambler or a Honda CB500F.

What to check first

• Model, years and version: each stand is made for one generation, and the product name tells you which.
• If you fit a skid plate or a non-standard exhaust, check that they do not take up the same space as the stand.
• To put the bike up, place your foot on the stand's lug and pull back and up on the grab handle, on level, firm ground.

It is a travel accessory that goes well with the SW-MOTECH crash bars and the side cases with carriers included. More of the brand's range is in SW-MOTECH.